The ritual of letting go

This is a practice that connects a simple gesture with the intention of letting go—a thought, an emotion, a memory.

1. Holding

Take a moment to bring to mind what you wish to let go of—a thought, an emotion, or a memory.
Feel it in your body here, now.

2. Letting Go

Bring your thumb and index finger of your right hand together.
Press gently… as you inhale…
and then open… as you exhale.
What you were holding, you now release.
You can repeat it a few times until you feel it fully.

3. Celebrating

Stay with your breath for a few moments.
You know what it means to hold on.
You know what it means to let go.
And you have chosen.

You can offer yourself this practice whenever you notice it is time to let go—whether of a thought, an emotion, or a memory—and you wish to honor it with a small ritual.